NV Review - The Monster Persona ANC

Monster Persona Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones
Here is the FIRST product up for grabs - the Monster Persona ANC!! This is also my first major brand Bluetooth product review. I kept criteria at the same level, and not upscaling just because it's a higher-end brand name:
sound quality
call quality
voice quality
ambient sound dampening
features, if any (i.e. surround sound, active noise cancelling)
That said, expectations are obviously raised since I'll be comparing my experience with the Persona against my experience with sub CDN$ 100 devices. So, if you're ready, let's do this!!
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Product Link: amzn.to/37xfpAy

[@krayozmines]

Thanks for reviewing. Not many ppl uploaded a review on it

[@novumverum]

Thanks for commenting. I hope it was of some help. If there's another product you'd like me to review, let me know and I'll try to get my hands on it. Cheers!

[@Joltey]

Thank you for reviewing these! I was debating whether to get these or the Audio-Technica SR50BT, and I decided to go with the Audio-Technica headphones. Mostly because I’d rather not fiddle around with the equalizer to get decent audio.

[@cheesealloutfitness2201]

Good review. You made my choice easier to make. Thanks

[@novumverum]

Glad you found this useful! And I appreciate the feedback :)

[@johncristy6037]

How about the bass? Is it like the punchy, deep, loud bass like when Monster was with Beats?

[@edstringer7328]

Thank you was waiting on a review on these you helped me with my decision I will pass

[@novumverum]

Glad I could help! If there are other headsets you'd like me to review, I'd appreciate your suggestions!

[@ronyoutube271]

Hey, can you please note what equalizer app did you use, and what settings you changed? Just got mine today and the music seems a bit weird

[@novumverum]

Hello! Thanks for your question. I keep my equalizer on neutral for my initial tests to get a raw experience and give viewers my honest impressions of the product straight out of the box. In this case, for some reason Monster decided to ship the Persona ANC without optimizing it's "neutral" setting. At the time of this recording I was using the "Audify Music Player" app on my Google Pixel 3. It's a simple app, but what I found great about it was that it didn't downgrade HiFi recordings that apparently some apps do. The equalizer is simple (5 sliders and 3 dials) and has several presets. Also, you can switch between using Audify's equalizer or your phone's (if it has one) through the app. I've since upgraded to the Samsung S21 Ultra and have been using the "Samsung Music" app along with my phone's built-in equalizer. Quick tip: if your phone or music app has presets, try them out first, find one that's close to what you find enjoyable, then go into the equalizer to do minor tweaks if necessary -- it will save you a LOT of time. Anyhow, I hope I've answered your question well enough. At the end of the day, the Persona ANC is a capable headset so I do hope you find a setting you can enjoy! Good luck!!

[@bayjingles8091]

I couldn't find information about supported codecs. Is there LDAC, AAC, aptX HD codec support?

[@novumverum]

Thank you for your comment. The codec is handled by your source device (i.e. smartphone, PC, laptop, etc.) as this is just a Bluetooth headset. Meaning, so long as your connected device can read the audio file, you'll hear it. I hope this helps. Cheers!

[@bayjingles8091]

@@novumverum thanks. Monster Persona ANC vs Anker Soundcore Life Q35 Which do you think should be preferred?

[@novumverum]

@@bayjingles8091 the short answer is neither. The long answer: The Monster Persona ANC is a good all-rounder however you will have to play around with your equalizer in order to get this to sound decent -- and these can sound pretty great I must admit. Also, the construction and materials are so-so, and I hate the fact it doesn't fold at all for storage and travel. Not to mention, at its current price point, there are several other brands to consider. The Soundcore Life Q35, although a very recent and much-anticipated product, fell short of all the hype. Mine was DOA so I couldn't even review it. Now I'm waiting for an upgraded version to hit the market. If you're dead set on a Soundcore product, I suggest checking out its predecessor the Q30 as it's still an impressive headset. For far better alternatives, I would recommend the Sony WH-CH710N amzn.to/3pU6X7o and the Seinnheiser BT450 amzn.to/3pQnw48. In my opinion, both are superior headphones competing in the same price bracket. The WH-CH710N has better bass, and has an AMB feature which makes it great for commuters. The BT450 has better clarity, and the audio pickup of the microphones are absolutely amazing. Anyhow, I hope this helps. I do have other over-ear headphones lined up for review beginning in July. But if your need is urgent, then I suggest checking the Sony and Seinnheiser products. Cheers!

[@bayjingles8091]

Thank you very much for your long and detailed answer. :) I listen to EDM and pop genres. I'm a bass head. I want a headphone with bass in the foreground. It has to be a strong bass that will shake me. :) I will definitely look at the models you recommend. I've read that Anker and Monster have strong bass. However, the Q35 supports LDAC. The Q30 unfortunately does not support LDAC. Persona supports AAC and SBC. I am using LG V30. Therefore, this is the most important point for me, as I think the main difference will be in wired use. That is HI-FI Quad DAC with wired connection.

[@novumverum]

@@bayjingles8091 I'll be honest, I don't think you'll be happy with any wireless option, at least not at sub CAD$ 200. It's all about power too, and again, at these price points I have yet to find anything with really strong bass. If I do I'll definitely let you know. Good luck on your hunt! Cheers!

[@artonetwothree]

That’s exactly how I felt I actually thought I bought a fake pair these disappointed me big time ,I’ve owned lots of different pairs of monster products and this doesn’t meet the standard I expected 👎🏽

[@novumverum]

Thanks for your comment!! It still boggles my mind when I think about the Monster Persona. As I mentioned in the review, these are actually very capable headphones but they were shipped without being properly calibrated. But play around with your equalizer and they sound great! The poor out-of-the-box experience, plus the $200+ price tag, just didn't make this a worthwhile product.